Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Waterfowl at Grand Valley Ranch Field Trip
2023-03-31 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Grand Valley Ranch, Orwell, OH, 44076, United States
Some say the American Robin is the harbinger of spring, but the swans, ducks, geese, and shorebirds might disagree. The Land Conservancy has partnered with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland to host a morning of birding just as waterfowl are making their strongest push north through Ohio and shorebirds are beginning to pass our way. If conditions are right, we could see up to 29 species of waterfowl, including three swans.
The Land Conservancy’s Grand Valley Ranch protects 1,200 acres of ideal habitat for waterfowl and various waterbirds. Permanently conserved in 2015, the Land Conservancy has restored the site from historical high impact uses (agriculture, mining, aquaculture, etc) to a natural, 3-mile long, flow-through wetland complex. Utilizing funds from Clean Ohio, USFWS, and the Ohio EPA, $3.5M was invested in the property to restore this ancient Tamarack Swamp!
Advanced registration is required.
Event details:
Friday, March 31 at 8:30 am to 11:30 am (Rain Date: April 14)
Leaders: Members of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and Renee Boronka, Manager of Education at the Land Conservancy
Fee: Free
Limit: 25 people
Location: Directions will be sent to registrants. Grand Valley Ranch is in Orwell, OH.
Register HERE

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2023-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
If you have not had the chance to witness the amazing breeding display, then you are missing a fascinating romance of our local wildlife! At this time of year male woodcocks woo the females with a basic “soft shoe” and a simple nasal call and then take off in a wonderful flight display that must be seen to believe! Each year there are several males proclaiming to be the “best in their field”! Join us for a sunset performance that you will talk about for weeks! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Frogs, frogs, frogs and toads! Field Trip
2023-04-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This is a most amazing symphony directed by Mother Nature herself! Hear the banjo plucks of the Green Frogs, the piccolo pipes of the Spring Peepers, snores of the Leopard Frogs, trills of the American Toads with a chorus by the Chorus Frogs all accompanied by the percussion provided by the beaver. If we are lucky the local Barred Owls will call out their critiques of the performance! It is a most amazing night of “music”! Meet at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail (896 East Pioneer trail) a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Rush for Thrush! Field Trip
2023-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Did you know that there are seven species of Thrush in our area in May? We hope to set a record for the most species of Thrush seen in one of our sanctuaries in one session. The possibilities are Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, American Robin, and Bluebird. We will meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2023-07-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Because it is a cooler time of day with the fading light and lengthening shadows that allow more concealment many creatures move about more freely. Often we hear owls, coyote, fox, raccoon, and deer. Many birds will be singing their call to roost song. Let’s see what we can turn up! Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary/Brettschneider Park parking lot located on the north side of Pioneer trail few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. (896 East Pioneer Trail Aurora, OH 44202)

High Summer Hike Field Trip
2023-08-19 13:30 - 15:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
We are excited to investigate how the fields are recovering from invasive buckthorn eradication early this past spring. We will also pass through the forest to a wildlife viewing blind to see if the beaver have successfully restored their marsh to its former character of years ago. Join us to observe the changes. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. almost a mile north of Route 82 in Aurora.

Fringed Gentian Field Trip
2023-09-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Would you like to be dazzled by our treasured Fringed Gentian patch? Fringed Gentian are an uncommon native plant with an astounding color of blue in their delicately toothed petals. Fringed Gentian are one of the last flowers to bloom in our area. We will also see the more common Closed or Bottle Gentian. If conditions are right, Ladies Tresses, which belong to the orchid family, will be in bloom. Pray for sunshine and you will have an unforgettable display! Meet at the Brettschneider/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Fall Color Walk Field Trip
2023-10-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
If you have not had the opportunity to see the fall colors from the Hach-Otis Sanctuary, here is your chance. There is a spectacular view to the east overlooking the Chagrin River valley with trees showing off their unique colors. We have the right mix of species to rival the leaf color change anywhere in the world! Join us to take in the beauty of the changing of the seasons. Meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the east end of Skyline drive (off River Road) in Willoughby Hills.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2023-11-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Molnar Sanctuary
This walk, over the years, has consistently failed to produce a single Wild Turkey! It is likely because they all know Thanksgiving is close at hand. Would you consider helping me find one or a flock of these wily, elusive birds which were once extirpated from Ohio but are now found in every county. Even if the Wild Turkeys do not show up, it will still be an enjoyable walk in our less traveled sanctuary where many of you have not had the pleasure to explore. Meet at the Aurora Dog Park parking lot on the east side of Page Road just a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Rd. in Aurora.

Winter Solstice Night Hike Field Trip
2023-12-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Help us celebrate one of the longest nights of the year one night after the winter solstice with a night hike in the Novak Sanctuary. The sights, sounds, and aromas of a night hike in the woods give a very different experience than the same trail in the daytime. Let’s see what we discover. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border. Please wear waterproof footwear.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2024-01-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
It is fascinating to discover what other creatures use our trails when we are not there. Let’s hope for a thin coating of new fallen snow for them to register their marks on the path. Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora. Please wear waterproof footwear.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2024-02-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join in on this fun international bird count to help us do our winter bird survey and to contribute to the statistics managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with National Audubon. This is an excellent time for novice birders to begin as the number of species is not overwhelming and there are no leaves to obscure views of the birds and other wildlife. Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora. Please wear waterproof footwear.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
The northward rush to their breeding grounds is on! Ducks, geese, grebes, and loons act as if it is first come first serve to the best nesting sites in the prairie potholes and points farther north. Many pass through our area on their way north. The drakes have molted into their resplendent breeding plumage drawing gasps from even you! This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Make sure to have a full tank of gas because gas stations are not one of our stops. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2024-04-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
We are very eager to see how the Woodcock utilize the newly restored wet fields at the Novak Sanctuary. Thanks to Matt Valencic and his trail crew along with help from Kenny Kresina and Mark Magree, the fields have been mostly cleared of an impenetrable copse of invasive buckthorn. We are hoping for a field full of Woodcock showing off for potential mates. Their twilight dance and courtship flight are mesmerizing. Each year the males claim their lek to begin the dance with their unique call and then rocket up into the flight display. Consider joining us for a sunset performance that you will remember forever! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border (451 Townline Road). Mud boots are a must!

Frog Fugue Field Trip
2024-04-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Frog Fugue with Toad accompaniment!
Nature’s spring symphony is not just made up of bird song. Several species of frogs and toads are likely to entertain us with an eons-old musical composition. They will not let us down rain or shine. If we are lucky, the beaver may be swimming and the owls may be hooting. There is also a chance the coyotes will howl. If you love this type of natural performance, join us at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. Mud boots are an absolute must!

Rush for Thrush! Field Trip
2024-05-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
I can guarantee that you will see at least 2 species of thrush. They all have wonderful songs and like to sing at twilight. Help me find more with the crown jewel of the Veery! Please wear mud boots as the trails can be mired in places. We will meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2024-09-06 20:30 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
Owl Prowl, Audubon Aurora Sancuary, on Friday Sept. 6 @ 8:30pm. Meet at 8:15pm in the Brettschneider Park parking lot, 881 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH. Primitive trail with some hills and stairs.

Chagrin River Park Field Trip
2024-09-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Chagrin River Park, 1000 Rural Road, Eastlake, OH, 44095, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
Chagrin River Park on Saturday Sept. 7 @ 8:00am. Meet at 7:45am in the parking lot at 1000 Rural Road, Eastlake, OH. Smooth, flat trails.

The Rookery Field Trip
2024-09-07 08:00 - 10:00 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
The Rookery on Saturday Sept. 7 @ 8:00am. Meet at 7:45am in the parking lot at 10110 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH. Smooth, flat trails.

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2024-09-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
These beauties are among the last wildflowers to bloom of the season but well worth the wait. There are several species of Gentians in our area but the Fringed Gentian is an unusual and fabulous one. Also in bloom will be Closed or Bottle Gentian, Ladies Tresses, Great Lobelia, Wingstem, Goldenrod and Aster. Join us for a fall wildflower hike and you will be amazed at the color and bounty of autumn! Meet at the Bretschnieder parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Autumn Leaf Color Hike Field Trip
2024-10-19 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
We are very fortunate to have the spectacular view of the palette of autumn leaf colors spreading out as far as the eye can see over the beautiful Chagrin River Valley in our own Hach-Otis Sanctuary. The mix of tree species is just right to give a dazzling fall view. Meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Leaf Kicking Hike Field Trip
2024-11-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Remember the sound and feeling of wading through a carpet of leaves as a kid? Consider joining us for a walk through the fallen leaves. We will have a chance to see a turkey flock but we are not announcing that because when we do, they all take cover and remain out of sight. Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Winter Solstice Hike Field Trip
2024-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Have you ever taken a night walk in the winter field and forest? The winter woods are quiet and peaceful if the weather is calm. It will restore and reset your inner peace. We will be celebrating one of the longest nights of the year with this winter night hike. Let us hope that the stars and moon will shine brightly through the cool clear atmosphere and know that we have a chance at hearing an owl or a coyote singing to the moon. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 in Aurora.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2025-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Our resident wildlife use our trails too! Due to their nocturnal nature or their skittish wariness, we rarely see them but they do leave evidence behind. You may help me discover “who” walked the trail ahead of us. Let’s hope for a thin coating of new fallen snow for them to register their marks on the path. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border. Please wear waterproof footwear.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2025-02-16 08:30 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This fun international bird count also helps us achieve our annual winter bird survey and contributes to the statistics managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaberation with National Audubon and Birds Canada. All participants are welcomed regardless of experience. We need young acute hearing ability to discover the Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Cedar Waxwings. Please dress for the weather with proper footwear for a 2-mile saunter that lasts about 2.5 hours. Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2025-03-22 08:30 - 12:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Many waterfowl are speeding their way north to breeding grounds with the drakes sporting their spectacular, breeding plumage. Most of them will cause you to gasp in amazement! They are only passing through so now is the time to get out and see them. This is a caravan-style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Make sure to have a full tank of gas because gas stations are not one of our stops. If the group desires, we will stop for lunch at the end of the tour. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Take an evening to be amazed at the courtship ritual of the Timberdoodle. These upland shorebirds are some of the earliest breeders and the males do a wonderful dance followed by a fantastic flight display to woo the females just as darkness falls. Dress for the weather with footgear able to withstand wet meadow terrain and meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Annual Series Spring Bird Walks Field Trip
2025-05-04 07:30 - 09:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
These are fun walks where novices and seasoned veterans share techniques and advice on birding (my advice is to wear mud boots!). I hope you can join in on one of the many walks this spring in the Cleveland/Akron area. The last one in this series is Sunday May 18th at 7:30 A.M. Check out our website for a complete list of locations.

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2025-07-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
As the summer heat wanes the evening creatures begin to stir and make their appearance. Day-time creatures seek a place to roost or spend the night. Owls may call, raccoons may argue, fox may bark and coyotes may howl. Let’s see what we can turn up! Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary/Brettschneider Park parking lot located on the north side of Pioneer trail few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. (896 East Pioneer Trail Aurora, OH 44202)

Birding Workshop Program
2025-08-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The Chagrin River Bird Quest’s pre-event Birding Workshop! Update your skills or learn new ones in preparation for the upcoming Bird Quest on Sept 5-6. An hour presentation (approximately) will be followed by a bird walk in the Novak Sanctuary to practice what you learned.
Please register on-line for this event.
